By Marshall Hammond
Recently Bar Carlo (6433 SE Foster Rd.) was transformed into a bustling marketplace for two evenings, with dozens of attendees filing in to purchase handmade jewelry, paintings, clothing and other products crafted by members of the Portland Indigenous Market, a local network of Native American and Black artisans.
According to the group’s website, the goal of the Portland Indigenous Market is to support “Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs by providing barrier-free, culturally respectful spaces that encourage cultural resilience and economic sustainability by promoting public education through cultural arts.”
The event was coordinated by Rebecca Kirk, a member of the Klamath and Leech Lake Ojibwe tribes and owner of Resting Warrior Face Apparel. Kirk was brought into the market two years ago by her mother, who, along with other members of the tribe, passed knowledge of traditional Klamath crafting methods on to her daughter.
Kirk has been a vendor at many markets, but for her the Portland Indigenous Markets are special. “I love coming out to these events because they are specific to indigenous people,” said Kirk. “One thing that I have found as an indigenous person that owns my own company is that I have set up at different markets all around Oregon, and oftentimes I am the only person of color.”
Kirk has found that the Portland Indigenous Marketplace provides a way to network with other Native entrepreneurs and offer mutual support. One vendor that she introduced to the market is Joshua Sosnoski, a member of the Chippewa Cree tribe. Just two years out of high school, Sosnoski has started his own clothing line, Nitay Clothing. He operates out of a garage, digitizing designs created by his older brother and printing them onto t-shirts, sweatpants and hoodies.
“Nitay means ‘my heart’ in Chippewa Cree language. Whatever you do starts with your heart,” said Sosnoski. “I came out tonight to make some money and spread my message and show people what I got. I know what I have is different…it’s not all about the money…there’s also meaning behind it and culture behind it.”
Kirk and Sosnoski both see a bright future for the Portland Indigenous Market. “We are getting to a point where we are seeing more ethnic people being brought into these spaces. I think it’s a perfect way for people to come out and learn more about indigenous culture,” said Kirk.
“I feel like we’re small right now,” said Sosnoski, “and one day it’s gonna get big, and I’m happy to be part of something that’s growing bigger and bigger. Because I know one day this is going to become popular and normalized. I’d say it’s not fully normalized yet, and you know it’s good to be part of something that isn’t really popping yet…one day I know this is gonna pop off. You know it’s about time Native Americans get recognized for their artwork and what they do, because we were the first people here.”
The next event on the calendar for the Portland Indigenous Market is a Grand Opening for their new office location at the Center for Native American Arts and Culture (800 SE 10th Ave.) April 1 and 2, 11 am-4 pm. Another market will be held on July 15 and 16 at Blue Lake Regional Park (21224 NE Blue Lake Rd.) in Fairview, Oregon.
Joshua Sosnoski shows off one of his designs. Photo by Marshall Hammond.
This is so Awesome! I can’t wait to come see you guys.